Texas unemployment rate drops

AUSTIN — The Texas unemployment rate declined in September to 8.1 percent, down from 8.3 percent in August 2010, the lowest unemployment rate for Texas in 2010. The Texas unemployment rate continued to trend well below the U.S. unemployment rate for September at 9.6 percent. Texas total nonfarm employment was up by 3,700 jobs in September representing the addition of 152,800 jobs in the last year.

“Texas continued to display strong job growth across many industries in September,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “More Texans are back to work as reflected in the lower unemployment rate.”

Manufacturing employment continued to grow with 2,000 positions added in September. Texas added 24,500 Manufacturing jobs over the year representing 68 percent of all Manufacturing jobs added in the United States since September 2009. Employment in Mining and Logging rose in September adding 3,800 jobs with 28,000 positions added since September 2009.

“It’s encouraging to see so many jobs added over the past year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “For those qualified Texas workers who remain unemployed, staff at TWC and the 240 workforce centers across the state remain committed to provide the job-search and referral services necessary to match those unemployed individuals with new jobs.”

Leisure and Hospitality employment increased by 10,300 jobs representing the industry with the largest job gain over the month and a total of 27,500 positions since September 2009. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 4,000 jobs in September and Financial Activities employment increased by 200 jobs in September. Education and Health Services added 49,500 jobs over the year, and Professional and Business Services recorded annual job growth of 50,300 positions.

“Job growth in the Texas Manufacturing industry, as well as growth in other industries, is encouraging,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “TWC and our 28 boards across the state stand ready to assist job seekers and employers.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest September unemployment rate in the state at 5.1 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in September at 5.3 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA at 5.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted). All were significantly lower than the unemployment rates for those MSAs in August.